Tax-free shopping in France (2026)

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026

In short: Visitors aged 16 or over who live outside the EU can get VAT back on purchases of more than EUR 100 in one shop. Customs validates the slip when they leave the EU and the merchant pays the refund.

RuleWhat applies
VAT refund for visitors availableVAT refund for visitorsYes [1]
Who qualifiesVAT refund for visitorsHabitual residence outside the EU (not Monaco or the French overseas departments), aged 16 or over, visiting France for less than six months. [2]
Minimum purchaseVAT refund for visitors€100.00 per purchase [2]
Time limit to take goods outVAT refund for visitors3 months [1]
Refund procedureVAT refund for visitorsCustoms puts its visa on the sales slip at the EU exit point (counter or PABLO terminal). Only the merchant, or its refund operator, pays the VAT back; customs does not. [2]

Notes

  • Strictly more than EUR 100 including all taxes, in one shop. One customs page counts a single day; another counts up to three days and a group of shops.
  • The customs visa must be obtained before the end of the third month following the month of purchase.

Sources

  1. Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects: Vous achetez des marchandises en détaxe (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects: Tax exemption in France for tourists - PABLO (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.